As a business owner, you know that customer service is key. Having the best business phones in place as well as the right technology backing them up, can make or break the success of your call center.

A good call center phone system will help you manage your customer interactions efficiently and effectively, helping to build customer loyalty and, ultimately, increasing profits. But you also need to be sure that your phone system is supported by great business phones — you can’t forget the hardware. Let’s take a look at some of the best business phones and the systems that go with them for your call center.

The Best Business Phones for your Call Centre

Your call center will benefit from some or all of the hardware below, depending on your business model.

Desk phones

Desk phones are one of the most popular types of phone systems used in offices and call centers around the world. They provide reliable service, clear sound quality, and a range of features such as hands-free calling and speakerphone capabilities. Desk phones require physical wiring and have to be physically connected to a phone line or network.

If you don’t want to buy a fleet of desk phones for your call center, we offer rental equipment.

Headsets

Headsets are great for call centers as they allow employees to multitask while speaking on the phone. They also provide high-quality audio, are comfortable to wear, and can be adjusted for maximum comfort during long conversations. They are a popular piece of equipment for many successful call centers.

Headsets need to be plugged into either a desk phone or cordless phone for them to work properly, so keep that in mind when making your selection.

Cordless phones

Cordless phones offer greater mobility than desk phones; they allow users to move around freely while still being able to take calls anywhere in their office or home. Cordless phones also provide excellent sound quality, but they require more maintenance than desk phones since they must be recharged regularly, and their batteries need to be replaced periodically.

Conference Phones

Conference phones are ideal for larger meetings or conference calls as they provide crystal-clear audio over multiple lines simultaneously. This makes it easy for everyone on the call to hear each other clearly without interference from background noise or echoes.

Conference phones also come with features such as echo cancellation technology so that all participants can hear each other without any distractions.

Reception Expansion Modules/Attendants

Reception expansion modules (REMs) or attendants help manage incoming calls by providing automated menus that direct customers’ calls quickly and accurately according to their needs.

This helps reduce hold times and improve customer satisfaction levels by making sure that each caller gets routed directly where they need to go without having to wait on hold too long or repeat themselves multiple times during a single call session.

These systems also come with useful features such as voicemail notification alerts so that businesses don’t miss important messages from customers who couldn’t get through on the main line due to busy signals or long wait times on hold.

These pieces of equipment are a must-have for busy call centers.

Soft-phones

Soft-phones are software applications designed specifically for telecommunication purposes such as taking calls from customers, making video conferences, and sending text messages.

Soft-phones offer several advantages over traditional hardware-based solutions, such as improved mobility (since soft-phones can be used from any device connected to an internet connection), lower costs (since there is no need for expensive hardware investments), better scalability (as new features can easily be added with just an update), and more.

Types of Business Phone Systems for Call Centers

Depending on the size and scope of your call center, there are several different types of business phone systems that you can use. These include traditional landlines, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phones, hosted VoIP systems, and even cloud-based phone solutions.

Each type of system has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to do your research before deciding which one would be best suited for your needs.

Traditional Landline Systems

Traditional landline systems are still popular in many businesses today, though they’re beginning to be phased out in favour of more modern technologies such as VoIP.

The biggest advantage of using a traditional landline system is that it’s often less expensive than other options. However, it does have some drawbacks as well; since it relies on physical phone lines to connect calls, it can be difficult to scale up or down depending on customer demand.

Traditional landline systems will not offer all the features available with more modern technologies such as call queues or auto-attendant features. If your business needs these features to better serve your clientele, it could end up costing you more in lost business than what you would pay in price difference.

VoIP Systems

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems are becoming increasingly popular among small businesses. Small business telephone systems Canada-wide are benefiting from their cost savings and advanced features.

With a VoIP system, calls are routed through an internet connection instead of using physical phone lines; this allows businesses to take advantage of lower rates from their service provider while also giving them access to additional features such as virtual office capabilities and advanced analytics tools.

One drawback to using a VoIP system is that it requires a reliable internet connection in order to function properly; if there are any issues with your internet connection then calls may not go through, or audio quality may suffer significantly. One solution could be to ensure you have a solid, secure internet provider.

Hosted VoIP Systems

Hosted VoIP systems are internet-based systems generally offered or managed by a third-party provider. They provide features such as automated voice prompts and virtual office capabilities thanks to their integration with cloud-based software solutions.

One major advantage of hosted VoIP systems is that they’re relatively easy to set up and maintain.

Ultimately, finding the best business phones for your call center will help ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness when interacting with customers – leading directly to increased customer satisfaction levels overall!

Call Quality

The quality of the calls you make from your phone system is also very important. Look for phone systems that offer clear sound and no lag time between when someone speaks and when their words reach the other person on the line.

You may want to also look for features like noise cancellation, which can help reduce background noise so that customers don’t have to strain their ears trying to understand what’s being said on their end of the line.

Features

Another thing to consider when choosing phone systems is whether or not they come with the features you want. You will want to consider aspects of the phone system that can serve your business better. And you don’t want to have to pay for features you won’t use.

Look for fully customizable solutions from your provider. Most will offer set plans. With Intratel, we strive to deliver personalized service in the form of fully customizable call center VoIP solutions.

Small to mid-sized businesses are often growing enterprises and need to ensure every dollar spent goes toward supporting growth. Custom-tailored solutions will support your future growth.

Cost-Effective Options

Finally, it’s important to find cost-effective options for phones in your call center. There are tons of great options out there from both major brands and smaller companies alike. Do some research and compare prices before settling on any particular model or brand. You will find a wide range of subscriptions and pricing options.

You should also consider if investing in higher-end models makes sense for your budget. Sometimes spending more upfront will save you money in the long run due to better quality parts and longer-lasting warranties. But it’s also important to keep in mind that you don’t have to break the bank to get quality and reassurance.

With Intratel Communications, we offer competitive prices for office telephone systems Canada-wide. We want to help small to mid-sized businesses with the best Canadian business phone systems!

Choosing the Best Business Phone System Doesn’t Have to be Hard

When choosing a phone system for your call center, it’s essential to take into account things like which will be the best business phone type for your business, the compatibility with existing software, features you want to incorporate, cost-effectiveness, and overall call quality.

Doing some research ahead of time can help ensure that you get the best business phone system possible without overspending or sacrificing necessary features—and ultimately help create a better customer experience in your business’s call center! Contact us quickly.

In today’s fast-paced world, small and medium-sized business owners need access to their communication systems even when they’re away from their desks.

With the advancement of technology, businesses can now receive their voicemails as emails, which allows them to stay on top of their messages no matter where they are. In fact, we have a convenient online portal where you can see, play, and download voicemails as well!

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how voicemail to email works, its benefits, and how it can make your business more efficient.

What is Voicemail to Email?

Voicemail to email, as the name suggests, is a service that forwards your voicemail directly to your email.

When you cannot answer your phone or are away from it, callers will be greeted with your personalized answering service that prompts them to leave a message. As soon as they leave a message, you will be notified through an email that contains the time and date of the call and caller ID.

You can then listen to the message at your own convenience, whether you’re in the office, on the road, or even at home.

How Does Voicemail to Email Work?

Voicemail to email is an advanced feature that sends your audio messages or a notification that there is a new voicemail for you directly to your email inbox for instant access. By simply reading your messages on your computer or mobile device, you can manage and respond to them promptly, even when you are unable to take calls.

Depending on your provider, there are a few different methods you can take to send a voicemail to email. For example, with Intratel, we offer these three to our clients:

1. The first option: You will receive an email with the voicemail attached. You get a notification email that comes with an audio file of a voicemail message attached. This message will also be saved in your separate voicemail inbox.
2. The second option: You receive an email with the recording attached. However, the voicemail message will automatically be deleted after the email has been sent.
3. The third option: You only receive an email with no attachments. The email only contains a message that a new voicemail is waiting for you in your voicemail inbox.

The process is seamless and straightforward, ensuring you never miss an important message again. With voicemail forward to email, you can enhance your communication experience and improve your productivity.

Intratel allows businesses to receive voicemail to email in Canada with two different phone systems: Hosted PBX and on-premise PBX.

Benefits of Voicemail to Email

Voicemail to email offers many benefits for small- to mid-sized businesses.

Access

One significant advantage of voicemail to email is that it allows business owners to access their voicemails anywhere and at any time. This helps to streamline communication and ensures that messages are never missed.

Time savings

Voicemail to email also saves time since you no longer have to waste time dialing into your voicemail system and listening to each message. Instead, you can listen to the audio message in your email and decide whether you need to respond immediately or later.

Increased efficiency

Another benefit of voicemail to email is that it increases efficiency since it allows you to forward the message to other team members for follow-up action. For instance, if a client leaves a message that concerns your sales team, you can forward it to them with one click. This ensures that the message reaches the right team member quickly, saving valuable time and ensuring that your clients are attended to promptly.

By having your voicemails sent directly to your email inbox, you can easily skim through them, prioritize, and respond accordingly. Not only is it highly convenient, but also time-efficient.

Communication streamlined

Another advantage of voicemail to email is that it can streamline your communication. Voicemail messages in your inbox can be translated into text with transcription software. This allows you to keep a record of your audio files in your email, which means you can search for keywords when you need to find important details. With voicemail to email, you can read directly from an email message and take the necessary action.

Records

Voicemail to email can also help you maintain a record of your voicemail messages. Traditional voicemail often requires you to delete messages to make space for new ones. With voicemail to email, all your voicemails are stored with easy access, and you can easily forward them to coworkers, clients, or other stakeholders as needed.

Voicemail to Email and Your Business

Voicemail to email has changed the way small and medium-sized business owners handle their voicemail management. By forwarding voicemails to an email, business owners access voicemails from any location, at any time, ensuring that important messages are not missed.

Voicemail to email increases efficiency and eliminates the need for a physical voicemail machine, reducing equipment and maintenance costs. If you’re interested in learning more about how voicemail to email works and how it can help your business, get in touch with Intratel Communications today.

If you’re a small business owner and are looking for a communications solution that is reliable, cost-effective, and easily scalable with the ever-changing needs of your organization, then hosted PBX may be an ideal choice for you. 

Hosted PBX technology has greatly improved communication solutions for small businesses. It stands to offer considerable benefits to small businesses like yours that need the performance of enterprise-level service without having to invest large amounts of capital. 

In this blog post, we’ll explain exactly what hosted PBX is and its advantages so that you can decide whether it’s right for your business.

What is Hosted PBX

Hosted PBX is a type of telephony communication solution that allows businesses to efficiently manage outgoing and incoming calls. Great hosted PBX systems come with a host of other advantages which we will address below. 

Hosted PBX differs from traditional PBX in that it is managed remotely by the service provider, meaning businesses don’t have to bother with physical infrastructure or managing their own phone systems. 

In contrast, on-premise PBX means that the servers are located on-site. You as the organization must purchase then host the hardware on site and manage everything yourself. 

The upside is that you have complete control of all of your data. Even with hosted PBX solutions like ours, some customer web-based management is still there so you never lose complete control. This may be worth the upfront cost for large corporations. But for small businesses, you simply need to find PBX hosting providers you can trust. 

Why do Small Businesses Choose Hosted PBX Solutions?

Small businesses have unique needs when it comes to their telecommunication infrastructure. The traditional PBX system is often too costly and complicated for many small businesses, so a hosted PBX phone system is becoming increasingly popular. 

This type of telecommunication solution offers a variety of benefits that make it an ideal choice for small business owners. Here are some of our favourites: 

Cost-Effective Solution 

One of the primary advantages of choosing a hosted PBX solution is its cost effectiveness. 

Instead of having to purchase, install and maintain your own hardware, with a hosted PBX you can access all the features you need through the cloud. This makes it much more cost effective than having to purchase and maintain expensive equipment in-house. 

Additionally, many providers offer flexible pricing plans, making them suitable for businesses with tight budgets. At Intratel Communications, we offer contract-free, tiered pricing models with the option of adding on features you’d like. It’s a risk-free system that works well for our current clients. Plus, we would hate to charge you for features you don’t use. 

Scalability 

Unlike traditional landline phone systems, hosted PBX solutions are incredibly easy to scale up or down as needed. 

Once your business grows and you need additional capacity, all you have to do is contact your provider and they will be able to easily increase your capacity without any downtime or disruption. This makes it an ideal solution for small businesses that are looking to grow in the future but don’t want to be tied down by an inflexible phone system. 

Easy To Use & Manage  

Hosted PBX for business need to be streamlined and easy to use for them to add value. 

Most providers offer user-friendly web portals that allow users to manage their accounts from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This allows users to set up call forwarding, voicemail boxes and other features quickly and easily without needing any technical expertise or IT support staff on hand.

Additionally, providers can also offer mobile apps that allow users to stay connected while they’re on the go. 

Flexibility 

A hosted PBX phone system offers flexibility that traditional telephone systems simply cannot match. 

You can access the system from any location with an internet connection and make changes on the fly as needed. This means that your employees can work remotely if necessary without sacrificing productivity or customer service quality due to outdated technology or long distance charges associated with traditional phone systems. 

Why Small Canadian Businesses Choose Canadian PBX Providers

Small Canadian businesses turn to us to provide Canadian telephony services. Whether you are a startup or an established firm, Intratel can make sure your telecommunications needs are taken care of with our Toronto hosted PBX service. 

The Toronto hosted PBX offers businesses reliable phone service at an incredibly competitive price that simplifies transition and installation — both for today’s requirements as well as extending into the future. With up to date policies and practices, top notch customer support and unbeatable prices, it’s easy to see why Canadian businesses choose Intratel Communications when searching for Telecommunications solutions.

Get a Hosted PBX Solution for Your Small Business Today

Hosted PBX solutions offer a range of benefits that make them ideal for small businesses looking for a reliable yet cost-effective telecommunication solution. They are cost effective, easy to use and manage, scalable, and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection – making them perfect for today’s fast-paced business world! 

So if you’re looking for a reliable telecommunication solution that won’t break the bank – consider investing in Intratel’s hosted PBX solution. Get A Quote Today!

Deciding which cloud-based phone system is best for your company can be a daunting task. There are many different options available, each with its own set of pros and cons. In this blog post, we’ll compare a few of the most popular companies so you can have a better understanding of what’s available and cover their cloud-based phone system pros and cons.

RingCentral 

RingCentral is a popular cloud-based office phone system. It is feature-rich unified communication as a service (UCaaS) solution. They provide enterprise VoIP features that have combined internet telephony with messaging, audio, video, conferencing, contact centers and faxing. RingCentral only allows you to text if you have a direct RingCentral number assigned to your extension.

Pros

RingCentral makes it easy to call, message, and meet with employees and customers. They have everything located in one app which makes it easy to set up, use, and manage your communications. And, you can access the app from any device, whether it’s your PC, smartphone, tablet, or desk phone. 

People tend to love their HD video meeting offerings. It is a pretty generous free video meeting feature, which allows unlimited calling for up to 24 hours and up to 100 participants.

Cons

RingCentral is a global company, so it’s unclear where its cloud resources are located. If you’re far away from them, you could suffer from a slow experience. Their global nature also means that support is slow, some users have reported weeks-long problems without solutions while experiencing poor communication from RingCentral’s support team. 

Companies often have a difficult time setting up and managing the interactive voice response (IVR) menu. Doing anything outside of the standard seems to cause issues with the system. 

One user reported, “things that should be seamless like forwarding a vacationing employee’s phone to a call queue aren’t even possible. Want to add an extension/line for an employee? Too bad, that’s only possible if you add an external facing line.” 

It can also be notoriously difficult to end your service contract and migrate your numbers. So, if your company needs flexibility, this may not be the right VoIP provider for you. 

Net2Phone 

Net2Phone is a Canadian-based company that helps unify business communications. They offer a VoIP service that is “easy to set up, simple to use, and comes ready to go.”

Pros: 

Net2Phone has key features like all-in-one business calls, meetings, and messaging. And they offer a cloud-based call center phone system. They also allow you to view call reports, store audio records, and leverage performance wallboards. When you sign up, you will receive a personalized onboarding session that they say will help you achieve your business communication goals.

They service customers in +160 countries worldwide. They offer plug-and-play installs to customers who don’t need a customizable cloud-based phone system.

Cons: 

Customer support has been reported by some users to be lacking. If so, troubleshooting issues can take up much of your valuable time and put you at risk of missing important communication. 

Net2Phone’s onboarding team has been reported to be external consultants hired by the company. This puts the team at a disadvantage in helping customers get their phones set up or troubleshoot their issues. 

“Net2Phone promised pre-configured VoIP polycom phones that would have limited set-up once the phones are delivered to our office. This could not have been further from actuality. The onboarding engineer/project manager was kind and well-intentioned, but did not seem to have a command of the system or the necessary tools for proper onboarding (the onboarding team are consultants, not actual net2phone employees)” says one user.

Users have also reported difficulties with canceling their services and continuing to be charged after you have canceled. If you are looking for a robust customer support team, this may not be the right provider for you. 

Dialpad 

Dialpad is a cloud-based phone system that can connect your team through voice, video, messages, and online meetings. Dialad is a UCaaS system that has text messaging software built into it. 

Pros:

Dialpad has an intuitively designed platform with a streamlined user experience. They have modern communication features and offer competitive pricing models. Dialpad makes it easy to integrate with Google Contacts. They also provide auto-generated and useful VoiceIntelligence transcripts of calls. 

Cons:

Dialpad’s pricing model is prohibitive for small businesses. They do not allow anyone on their lower price tiers to access basic features like IVR or setting holidays. And, Dialpad’s pricing is high for the features they offer. 

Users have reported that they have been mistakenly charged for lines they did not use, but Dialpad would not refund them nor remove the unneeded line. The user said it was very difficult to remove lines but adding them was easy. 

Lower-tier packages also do not have direct access to customer support. 

Nextiva 

Nextiva is a simple, affordable VoIP phone service. They offer cloud PBX with video conferencing, a mobile app, call recording, and other enterprise features. 

Pros:

Nextiva’s auto-attendant settings are easy to navigate. Their ease of use is top-rated among many. Nextiva phones come pre-setup and the onboarding process is streamlined and straightforward. Technical support of often readily available. 

Cons:

Be wary before you sign into the Nextiva contract and be sure to read the fine print. One user reported that Nextiva’s “pricing and contracts all but force you to stick with them long term or pay an arm and a leg to leave.” Termination costs appear to be the remainder of your existing contract yet the contracts appear to auto-renew without warning. 

Another user has noted that they stopped using Nextiva due to poor call quality and customer service. Their client calls were dropped frequently and yet they are locked into a 3-year contract. 

If you are looking for flexibility and a transparent contractual agreement, Nextiva may not be for you.

Intratel 

Intratel is an excellent choice when it comes to choosing a cloud-based business phone system. We offer enterprise-grade features and advanced tools to give businesses of all sizes the opportunity to have a powerful, reliable communications system. 

Pros:

Our services come at an affordable price with several calling plans, making us one of the most cost-effective solutions out there. Plus, we don’t require any long-term contracts or commitments so there’s no risk associated with trying our service. When you sign up for Intratel, you’re signing up for freedom. You can cancel any time, but we’re sure you won’t want to. 

Users report great support and staff and excellent pricing. We’re proud of our reviews and reputation and feel like they tell a full picture of how we run our business. 

The combination of features, affordability and flexibility make Intratel a great choice for any business looking for a cloud phone system provider. Even if you’re currently locked in a contract, we can help. 

Cons:

While our number porting fees may be on the higher side of the industry average, we provide competitively priced tiers and a la carte services so you can tailor your services to your needs. 

Why Choose Us? 

Intratel is a cloud-based phone system Canada loves. 

Where other providers fall flat, Intratel continues to exceed expectations. For example, we know that your experience is faster and better when you are closer to the region your cloud resources are located. That’s why, at Intratel, 100% of our network is owned and operated locally in Tier 3 Canadian data centres. We also partner with all the major carriers so we can guarantee you top-quality communications paired with small business-like customer service.

We are proud to provide local, Canadian services to our communities. Get A Quote Today!

With Microsoft Teams, you have the ability to directly route phone calls through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by utilizing a technology called direct routing. Microsoft Teams direct routing allows you to connect your Voice over IP (VoIP) provider directly to Microsoft Teams, giving you more control and flexibility over your calling capabilities. 

In this article, we’ll give you a brief overview of Microsoft Teams call routing and how it can benefit your business.

Introduction to Microsoft Teams Direct Routing

As we mentioned before, Microsoft direct routing allows you to connect Microsoft Teams PBX to a third party VoIP provider such as Intratel. This gives you more control over your calling capabilities, as you’re not limited to the calling plans that are available through Microsoft. 

Keep in mind that Microsoft is not a telephone company. By going directly to the source with a company like Intratel, you will enjoy a fully Canadian voice provider that provides high-quality calls and business-level support. 

How Does Direct Routing Work? 

With Microsoft Teams direct routing, calls are routed from your Teams apps to the Microsoft PSTN gateway, then to the Direct Routing VoIP provider, then to the Microsoft PSTN gateway. From there, the call is routed to its destination through the public switched telephone network (PSTN). 

Benefits of Utilizing Direct Routing 

There are many reasons why you should start using direct routing for your business’ communication needs. 

One of the most significant advantages is that it increases your company’s mobility. Because Microsoft Teams direct routing allows you to work from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. 

Here are several other benefits that come with utilizing direct routing for your business phone calls: 

• Increased Flexibility: As we mentioned before, one of the key benefits of direct routing is increased flexibility when it comes to your calling capabilities. With direct routing, you’re not limited to the Calling Plans that are offered by Microsoft—you can choose any Teams Direct Routingtrunk provider that meets your needs. 
• Cost Savings: Another benefit of using direct routing is cost savings. In many cases, it can be less expensive to use a SIP trunk provider than it is to purchase a Microsoft Teams plan for direct routing.
• Improved Call Quality: Because calls made with direct routing are routed through your chosen SIP trunk provider before they reach the public switched telephone network (PSTN), you can often enjoy improved call quality. 

Why do Teams use Direct Routing? Increased Efficiency and Collaboration 

Working with Intratel, you can connect to Microsoft Teams’s PSTN. This will help you to streamline processes and increase efficiency. For example, let’s say you have someone in sales who needs to transfer a call to customer service. With direct routing, they can do that without having to leave the Teams interface or even put the caller on hold. They can simply drag and drop the call into the relevant channel where customer service is available. 

What do I Need for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing?

To set up Microsoft Teams Direct Routing, you need to connect to a supported Session Border Controller (SBC). An SBC connects your Teams infrastructure to Microsoft Phone System. 

If you don’t have an SBC, you can use Intratel Communications. If you go with Intratel, you do not need a Microsoft Teams calling plan. Once you’re with Intratel, we can help you set up and configure for Microsoft Teams Direct Routing. 

Microsoft Teams Direct Routing allows you to connect to Microsoft Phone System in Office 365, so you will need to have a Microsoft 365 organization that you use to host your Microsoft Teams users, and the configuration and connection to our SBC. 

You will also need one or more telephony trunks. These trunks connect to the SBC. The SBC connects to your Phone System through Direct Routing on one end. The SBC can also connect to third-party telephony entities, like:

• PBXs and
• Analog Telephony Adapters

Any PSTN connectivity option connected to the SBC works. This connection enables you to use Microsoft Calling Plans or Microsoft Phone System features with your existing devices and phone numbers. 

We can Help You with Your Microsoft Teams Direct Routing needs

Now that we’ve gone over what Microsoft Teams Direct Routing is and how it works, let’s review some of the key benefits: increased flexibility, cost savings, and improved call quality. If you’re looking for more control over your calling capabilities or want to take advantage of cost savings, then direct routing may be the right solution for you. 

Intratel Communications is a leading provider of Microsoft Teams direct routing solutions. We offer a variety of different plans to suit the needs of businesses of all sizes. 

We also provide support, so you can always get the help you need. Contact us today to learn more about our Microsoft Teams direct routing solutions. Get A Quote Today!

Having a small business can come with a lot of advantages. The first being that you are your own boss and make all of the decisions. You also have the ability to choose your hours, your staff, and your products or services. While this may seem like a lot of freedom, it also comes with a lot of responsibility. 

One of your most important responsibilities is ensuring that your small business is using the right software and allocating proper resources. And, software to manage your PBX phone system may be the right choice for you. It is important to have a phone system that is reliable and efficient. 

Otherwise, you may end up losing customers and wasting money. But, it is also important to have software that can maximize your phone system and productivity. That’s where PBX management software comes in. 

PBX management software can help you to keep your PBX system organized and running smoothly. The software can help you to track calls, manage voicemails, and even record calls for training or quality control purposes. A good PBX management software will save you time and money in the long run. It is an essential tool for any small business owner.

What Are PBX Systems For Small Business?

To start off, PBX, or private branch exchange, is a telephone system used by businesses with multiple employees. If you are aware of PBX and how it works, skip ahead to the next section. 

A PBX phone system allows employees to communicate with each other and the outside world without using the public telephone lines, either cloud hosted or on-premise. A business with a PBX system will have its own telephone number and will be able to manage its incoming and outgoing calls internally. 

A PBX system can be very helpful for small businesses, as it can save money on long-distance calls and help to improve employee productivity. In addition, a PBX system can be easily expanded as a business grows, making it a scalable and flexible solution for small businesses.

Some of these systems are hosted PBX systems, which means they are cloud-based instead of on-premise systems. This means they can be managed by a provider, saving your small business from upkeep and management costs. Finding a hosted PBX provider in Canada is a great way to stay local and ensure your business is taken care of. 

What can PBX Management Software do for me?

You can manage and monitor your on-premise PBX phone system with software. If you decide to go with Intratel, we can provide you with our web-based PBX management software. With that, you can automate your system upgrades and configuration, saving you time. 

Intratel’s PBX management software is web-based. You can access it anywhere to:

• Provision new phones
• View call detail records (CDR)
• Manage call recordings
• Setup IVR/voice menus
• Control call forwarding/follow-me features
• Keep tabs on your phone system. The software will automatically notify you when a critical event occurs by sending an alert via email. 
• Send and receive SMS / IM messages
• Manage hunt groups
• Manage custom schedulesH2: How do PBX phones work and how does PBX Management Software fit in?

PBX phones are the backbone of many businesses, small and large. Understanding how they work can give you better insight into how the management software works. A PBX system is a phone system that routes calls within a company or organization. Calls can be transferred from one extension to another, and outside calls can be routed to the PBX for incoming calls. 

The PBX system is controlled by a central switchboard, which allows operators to manage a large number of calls with ease.

Hosted PBX systems specifically can also supply small businesses with VoIP solutions. VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol and it works by transmitting data over the internet. Because this transmission happens at the speed of light, there is little to no difference in the end result when compared to analog calls. 

The PBX management feature is available with:

• On-Premise PBX
• Call Centres Solutions

How do I know if I need PBX Management Software?

If you are a small business with a PBX phone system, then PBX management software is for you. 

PBX management software can help small businesses to keep track of their PBX system, ensuring that it is running smoothly and efficiently. The software can also provide businesses with insights into how the PBX system is being used, helping to identify any potential problems. As a result, PBX management software from Intratel can be an invaluable tool for small businesses. 

How VoIP solutions can help small businesses

If you’re not fully convinced you need PBX management software, perhaps what you need is simply a VoIP solution for your small business. 

VoIP solutions can be very helpful for small businesses for a number of reasons. First of all, VoIP is much less expensive than a traditional phone line, which can save a small business a lot of money. Additionally, VoIP allows businesses to add features such as call forwarding and voicemail that can make it easier for customers to reach you. 

VoIP is very easy to use and set up, so small businesses can start using it right away without any disruptions. VoIP solutions can be a great way for small businesses to save money and stay connected.

Finally, VoIP can be used from anywhere with an internet connection, so even if a business is closed, customers can still leave a message. VoIP solutions are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason — they can provide a big boost to any small business.

Intratel is a trusted Canadian business. Many other small businesses like yours have used our PBX systems to better their bottom lines. Let us show you what we can do for you, get a quote today!

Are you looking for a more efficient and cost-effective way to manage your business communication needs? If so, you may want to consider SIP trunking. But what is SIP trunking and how does it work? This guide will provide you with all the information you need to understand this communications technology and determine if it’s the right fit for your business.

What is SIP trunking and why do businesses need it?

Are you asking yourself, what is a SIP trunk? Well, in its simplest form, a SIP trunk is essentially a virtual version of an analog phone line.

SIP trunking is a VoIP technology that allows businesses to make and receive phone calls over the internet. It stands for Session Initiation Protocol. SIP trunking can be used with both on-premise and cloud-based PBX systems, and it offers a number of benefits for businesses. 

Perhaps most importantly for businesses, SIP trunking can help to reduce calling costs by eliminating the need for dedicated voice lines. In addition, SIP trunking can improve call quality and reliability by providing a more consistent connection. SIP trunking is also highly scalable, so it can easily accommodate future growth because without physical phones, you can add or remove lines easily. For all of these reasons, SIP trunking is an increasingly popular choice for businesses of all sizes.

How does SIP trunking work?

SIP trunking is a telecommunications technology that uses the SIP protocol to establish and terminate VoIP calls. SIP trunking allows VoIP calls to be made using a public IP network, such as the internet, instead of a traditional telephone network. 

With Intratel, SIP trunking works with your business through a remote connection. Since it’s not bound physically, you can move your business location without needing to change or transfer your phone number. 

What is SIP trunk pricing like and how can businesses save money with it?

SIP trunk pricing depends on your provider, however, Intratel Communications provides tiered pricing levels with the opportunity to add on features. It starts at 19.95 monthly per user. 

Phone systems with SIP trunking in Canada can attach to international phone numbers, which means they can receive calls globally. This has a huge benefit for companies who do business globally as it provides customers with a low-cost option for long distance calls. 

If your business typically has a high call volume, it’s easy to add more lines to match your needs. On the other hand, if you receive low call volume, we can decrease the amount of SIP lines. This will cut costs, making sure you only pay for what you use. 

Great for remote working  

SIP trunking can be used to connect remote workers to their central offices, thus allowing businesses to take advantage of cost-free communications across different office locations. Intratel Communications offers SIP trunking services that can be used to improve remote working. And, in this day and age, every bit helps. 

Other benefits SIP trunking can provide businesses 

SIP trunking can provide businesses with a number of other benefits besides cost. For example, SIP trunking can improve call quality by through VoIP technology — so long as you have a strong internet connection. At Intratel, we can help you to upgrade your internet connection if you need to. 

SIP trunking can also provide businesses with greater flexibility when it comes to adding or removing phone lines. SIP trunking can attach to your existing on-premise PBX or Microsoft Teams platform.

Is SIP trunking right for me?

If your business relies on phone communication and wants to keep costs low, SIP trunk technology could be for you. You will need a strong internet connection for the calls, however, Intratel Communications can help with that. 

What are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a SIP trunking provider?

When choosing a SIP trunking provider, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. You will want to ensure that your provider can give you the support you need. If something were to happen, your business’ communication is of the utmost importance. Find a provider that is trusted to provide impeccable customer support and who is responsive to your needs. 

Second, you’ll want to consider the provider’s pricing structure. Make sure that the provider offers a competitive price for their services. And, it can often be a bonus to find a provider that offers tiered pricing or flexibility with add-ons. You don’t want to have to pay hidden fees or surprise costs down the road.

Third, you’ll want to consider the provider’s features and options. Make sure that the provider offers the features and options that you need. Bonus points if that provider can customize their features to your needs! 

Fourth, you’ll want to ensure you’re not entering into a contract you can’t get out of. With Intratel Communications, we offer our customers no contract services so you have absolute freedom. If you find our services aren’t for you, you can leave with no penalty. We pride ourselves on striving for 100% customer satisfaction.

You’ll also want to consider whether or not your provider is local. For us at Intratel, being 100% Canadian means that our solution is compatible with almost all major phone systems and providers in Canada. This is important to us because we pride ourselves on being one of the most reliable SIP trunk providers. We have a great, trusted reputation as a leading SIP trunk provider in Canada.

Companies have customers, and they interact with the company’s customer service agent, and the agents face challenges. Handling it professionally is essential for business success. It is vital to have a recurring client, and communication needs to be handled professionally and aesthetically. Poor customer service benefits competitors.

Many factors manage these challenges. For example, customer service may seem impossible, but modern technology indicates a flash of light at the end of the tunnel.

The primary way to manage these challenges and barriers is to respond effectively, with restraint, and on time, thus positively impacting customer service evaluation and increasing customer loyalty and business profitability.

Here are some common pitfalls that large and small companies face in customer service

• The customer service agent may not answer the question accurately.
• Turning blind calls to the wrong departments.
• Not understanding what the customers want.
• Dealing with angry customers.
• Report problems to supervisors and incorrect data.

Here, the role of the contact centre solution comes in!

A contact centre solution is a platform that facilitates customer communication through setup or software that is deployed through the cloud or on-premises in the enterprise.

Organizations can use call centre software solutions for incoming and outgoing calls. For example, your agents, support teams, or sales teams can use cloud or on-premises calling and live chat for their communication needs. Cloud-based call centres are hosted in the cloud because there is no infrastructure to take care of, which is one of the most lucrative options companies are turning to.

Call centre solutions can be integrated with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) of your choice to maintain a customer database with past customer interactions, which can help agents learn, track past issues and provide quick solutions. With a call centre solution, your organization can be available 24/7 and use many features like conversational A.I., chatbots, voice bots, and voice blasters that improve customer service processes and reduce reliance on customer service agents. Your agent only needs to be present to clients whose queries have not been resolved by A.I. or chatbot functions, thus reducing human agents’ workload and helping them focus on more important concerns.

Some of the benefits of call centre software that you should be aware of –

Reduce human error 

Minimize human error when a customer calls in odd working hours or reduced business hours, as organizations employ less-skilled workers. Also, sometimes there are excellent knowledge-based training programs that customer service agents need to study and understand. Using Call Centre Software Solutions, A.I. can handle simple routine queries, and complex inquiries can be left by simply routing calls to the human customer service agent.

Improved efficiency and productivity

An overview of how your organization’s customer service sector works is one of the most significant insights that all businesses seek. Organizations may be available 24/7 for customer support using A.I. cloud-based calling solutions. They may raise necessary/complex questions to human agents by accurately routing calls while maintaining call details/call tracking and logs through the cloud.

Consistent customer experience

Customer satisfaction is critical to a business’s success as it is the final point of contact for your customers as they judge your organization’s ability to provide services. Therefore, an organization needs to use the right solutions to communicate with customers. Unfortunately, sometimes a customer service agent forgets to move an important thing or takes training. These issues lead to inconsistencies in customer service. Combining quality call centre software with a live chatbot or voice bot can help alleviate this problem by becoming more intelligent over time and more accurate when interacting with customers. In addition, the best call centre software provides customers with a consistent experience every time they make a call and provides a seamless transition through a human agent between incoming calls.

Quality Inspection

You can check the quality of service provided to customers with transparency and check the basics of call tracking to check the agent skill set, listen to customer and agent calls, or call if the agent makes a mistake. Verified reports, including call times, resolution repair times, waiting times, etc., can also show revenue per call.

Best Vision = Best Strategic Decision = Best Business 

Improved reporting metrics, real-time updates, instant decisions, and the latest insights help make the best strategic decisions for organizational improvement. In addition, it helps to establish excellent customer relationships without worrying about call tracking, incoming call alerts, live chat, or complete call centre software solutions.

Cloud-based call centre solutions also help speed up your business process while working from home!

• It makes your process scalable, manageable, customizable, and accessible.
• Ignores the need to install additional hardware
• It makes the transition convenient and smooth for the call centre agent and, in turn, makes it easy for the organization.
• Remote work saves company costs.
• Automated processes for managing stress due to low workforce and high demand

With cloud-based software’s enhanced convenience and ease of use, call centre-related processes are streamlined. As a result, many companies are more involved in cloud-based customer communication technology, as the Covid-19 is the new generic for adapting to environments and situations.

With the above features and benefits, organizations must take advantage of call centre solutions to grow their business smoothly and efficiently.

There are plenty of options for cloud-based phone systems. A cloud-based phone system is a telephone service that allows you to make calls over the Internet and store data in the cloud.

These systems are affordable and reliable.

Of the many phone systems available for small businesses, the cloud-based system is the most popular choice, offering reliable service, low cost, and many business-friendly features. 

What is a cloud-based phone system?

A cloud-based phone system is a telephone service that allows you to make calls over the Internet. It is also called Cloud Calling or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system. Cloud-based phone systems work differently than traditional analog phones, which use copper wire or optical fibre to make connections between two contacts so that that data can be stored and hosted in one or more secure data centres. 

Cloud-based phone systems can be used using many devices, such as traditional phones with adapters, smartphone apps, computer calling software, or VoIP-enabled phones. A cloud-based phone system is a hosted PBX or private branch exchange. All data is stored and accessed through the cloud, saving you time and money by allowing you to update and protect your information quickly.

Features for a cloud-based phone system

The main advantage of a cloud-based phone system is the abundance of features that come with your package. Here are the key features you should check:

Voice Mail: This feature is standard with cloud packages and permits you to receive messages during missed calls.

Messaging: Also called team collaboration, this feature permits many collaboration methods such as screen sharing, file sharing, document editing, and conferencing.

Do Not Disturb: It sends all incoming calls directly to voicemail without the phone ringing.

Caller ID. It lets you know who is calling. Caller ID shows caller number and name- This can be useful for identifying which calls are important and which calls are spam.

Ring group: Group ringing is a valuable feature for a team answering a group call from the same client. Whenever the phone rings for that team, every member will be notified.

Call forwarding. This feature allows users to send calls to another number.

Online management. Most cloud-based phone systems are managed through portals or management systems where administrators can add users, assign numbers, create ringing groups, and view contact data. In addition, users can check voicemail, access company directories, and set up call forwarding routes.

Unified Communications. It is also known as a single cloud solution or an entire cloud platform. It enables real-time collaboration and allows businesses to integrate their communications services such as CRM, live chat, analytics, and more into one app.

Voicemail over text or email. Voicemail to Email, or Voicemail to Text, is a handy feature that translates voicemail messages into email messages or text formats that are easy to manage.

Automated attendant: The auto attendant automatically answers phone calls to your business and directs the callers they are trying to reach.

How do you decide if your business needs a cloud-based phone system?

There are several factors to consider to find whether a cloud-based phone system is appropriate for you. They are: 

Equipment: Whether you already have IP phones that can easily connect to the cloud system? Or are all your phones traditional and need a desk phone adapter? Your existing equipment can significantly impact costs, so think carefully.

Cost: You have to decide the features you wish to pay for your current system, features you do not need, and features you prefer in your new system. You need to check whether these features are included in your package or add-on is required.

Reliability: Cloud-based phone systems are dependent on the Internet. So have a solid and secure internet connection. 

Your business: Whether you possess a small or medium-sized business, Cloud-based phones can be a great way to save money on installation and maintenance and provide constant flexibility to make changes to your calling system with your business.

How to find a cloud-based system provider

After deciding that you wish to possess a cloud-based phone system, the next step is to find a provider. Every provider will offer different features and packages at different prices, so you need to evaluate which one best fits your requirements.

The best way to find a suitable cloud-based phone system provider is to do diligent and thorough research. Read company reviews, see if they offer any free trials, and see if they have any recommendations with other small business owners in your industry. Checkout Intratel it is one of the best cloud-based system provider company in Canada. Call us today!

With the current telephone infrastructure, changing technology, and evolving systems, companies and organizations need to adapt and change to more advanced telephone systems. Today, our latest technology supports VoIP and mobile, making business processes easy, smooth, and fast.

However, the valuable features of the phone system are essential to realizing the full potential of your business. Below, we list the key features you should consider when switching to an IP PBX system.

1. Call Transfer

Today’s phone systems have a real-time call forward feature that allows colleagues and customers to contact you on your mobile or other available communication devices. This feature allows you to customize settings to connect to all your devices simultaneously or as your choice. If you can’t reach all devices, your phone system will automatically route the caller to your voicemail.

2. Call waiting services

If you’re on the phone, call waiting will secretly notify you in the background that there is an additional incoming call. This feature will allow you to decide what action to take, such as calling, putting the caller on hold, or sending voicemail when your conversation ends.

3. Do not disturb

This feature is self-explanatory- this allows you to stop receiving incoming calls for a specific period, which is especially useful when meeting or doing something fundamental.

4. Conference call

The ability to organize video or audio meetings with multiple employees or clients in different locations is a feature of easy modern management through reliable telephone systems with call conferencing capabilities. That will showcase the company’s professionalism and the flexibility of your business in terms of your operational business matters. You can make these calls through the softphone applications on the computer or through the tabletop IP phone units.

5. Auto-attendant

The auto-attendant is the core of the business phone system. It is part of the call that welcomes callers, provides them with a list of options, and relies on the option entered using the telephone keypad to direct them to the appropriate section or extension. Auto-attendant becomes essential even in small organizations, especially for organizations without dedicated staff for the reception duty.

6. Recording features

Call recording is another essential feature for businesses. When you can record calls, you can improve customer perception and satisfaction. This feature forms an audio file that you can retrieve, archive, share, or review from the system server.

7. Security

Security is essential for all businesses, large or small- This is because potential customers and business partners always face a safe and secure environment, which prevents hackers and malicious people from accessing critical information. In addition, many commercial phone systems today rely on the cloud, which means company data is secure because these systems are equipped with a firewall.

8. Call recording and analysis

Most IP PBX systems provide:

• Only basic call recording features.
• Recording all incoming and outgoing calls as well as the date.
• Time and duration of each call.

However, your PBX system should be able to sort call logs by type and duration and download call logs into Excel spreadsheets for a more detailed logging and reliable design.

9. Active call control

This control feature allows supervisors and managers to listen to calls, instruct employees, especially trainees, and join ongoing calls. In addition, this feature makes it more convenient for administrators to monitor employee performance, making it easier to achieve customer satisfaction.

The real challenge is running the business and ensuring that the company runs smoothly. However, investing in an IP PBX system with specific features should make your job easier and more manageable.

You can get all the services mentioned above at Intratel. Moreover, Intratel provides high-quality Hosted PBX for business, On-premise phone systems, call-centre solutions, VoIP phone lines for business. Call us today!